Innovations Mini Teach






Joe BeasleyKasia GraySallar Kalle

A. What is Skype?

Skype was created by Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, launched August 2003; Skpye is a free software application that allows peer-to-peer interaction by using video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and phone calls over the internet or a phone that allows Skype service.
Video:

B. Facts or Need to Knows


  • Connects people all over the world.
  • Everyday Millions of people use Skype to communicate.
  • Skype added 35,000,000 users in 2008
  • 2.6 billion minute of Skype outcalls were made in 2008.

C . How to Create Your Own


  • Step One: Go to www.skype.com
  • Step Two: Download Skype Application at "Get Skype" tab
  • Step Three: Go through your computers downloading process, then drag the Skype icon image onto your desktop.
  • Step Four: Make a user account
  • Step Five: Add your friends by going to the "contact" tab and click "New Contact."
  • Step Six: After adding your friends; for example: "Bob Smith" then double click on top of their name; then you can either chat, call or video call with your friend when they come online.

D. Examples in “real life”/general uses-


  • Keeping in touch with your families from different state and countries.
  • Connecting with your friends.
  • File sharing
  • Conference Calling up to 25 people
  • Voice calls - leaving messages for people.

E. Classroom/Learning Uses

1. Teacher Uses -
  • Instructional Video Conferences Class
  • When Instructing an online class, teachers can use skype to introduce themselves and their classmates.
  • Teachers can bring in guest speakers by using Skype.
  • Teacher can have video conference with parents
  • Professional developments conferences.

2. Student Uses-
  • Field Trips
  • Share File
  • Student can ask for help from other instructors, and get information from authors
  • Students can use Skype to do homework with their partners.
  • Skype allows students to have pen pals from all around the world


3. Possible differentiation for Special Needs/ELL students-
  • If a student has cancer, he/she can access the students activities by using skype from home or a hospital
  • If a studnet has a IEP or is self contained, they can still be included in their general education classes


4. Parent uses-
  • Parents can communicate with teachers by video conference
  • When children move out to college in a different state or country, parents can use skype to communicate with them.

F. Resource links to examples of classroom uses or articles/online sources with suggestions for use in the classroom, lesson plans


  • Skype Classrooms Around The World:
http://www.convergemag.com/edtech/Skype-Connects-Classrooms-Around-the-World.html

  • Awesome Ways To Use Skype:
http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/

  • Skype Help:
https://support.skype.com/

  • Skype Lesson Plans (cont.)
http://www.squidoo.com/skype-english-lessons

  • Skype in School-Experiences:
http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/Experiences

  • Skpye Teaching Teachers Blog:
http://etceteraward.blogspot.com/2009/07/bringing-world-into-your-classroom-with.html





G. Citations/Works Cited (in APA style)
Chang, Chris (Modified 17, May 2009). Skype for Teachers Introduction in 3 Minutes. http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=105424. Retrieved 14, Sept. 2010.

Fritze, Lee (N.D.). Skype English Lessons. http://www.squidoo.com/skype-english-lessons. Retrieved 16, Sept. 2010.

Roscorla, Tanya (Modified 17, March 2010). Skype Classrooms Around the World. http://www.convergemag.com/edtech/Skype-Connects-Classrooms-Around-the-World.html. Retrieved 14, Sept. 2010.
Say it Visually (Modified 29, June 2009). Skype Explained Visually. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1mflr-kQlk&feature=player_embedded. Retrieved 14, Sept. 2010.
Skype in Schools (Modified 10, Aug. 2010). Experiences. http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/Experiences. Retrieved 16, Sept. 2010.

Skype (N.D.) Skype. http://about.skype.com/. Retrieved 14, Sept. 2010.Teaching Degree (30, June 2009). Teaching Degree. http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/. Retrevied 14, Sept. 2010.Ward (Modified 11, July 2009). Bringing the World into Your Classroom with Skype. http://etceteraward.blogspot.com/2009/07/bringing-world-into-your-classroom-with.html. Retrieved 16, Sept. 2010.Wikipedia (Modified 14, Sept. 2010). Skype. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype. Retrieved 14, Sept. 2010.

Make sure to include adapted from (give credit to any former mini-teach site you used)


http://innovations08.pbworks.com/Skype -- Name Unknown